In the face of mounting concerns over the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma assured on Sunday that the Government of India was actively utilising diplomatic channels to ensure the safety of the religious minority in the neighbouring country.
His remarks come amid a spate of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh that have sparked widespread outrage.
Speaking to reporters in Cachar district, Sarma said that while the Indian government is committed to securing its citizens abroad, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Bangladesh government to protect its minority population.
"The events happening in Bangladesh are deeply concerning. The government of India has already raised its concerns, but it is the responsibility of Bangladesh to ensure the safety of its Hindus," he said.
Sarma further highlighted the proactive stance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who, according to him, has been using multiple diplomatic channels to address the ongoing crisis.
"Prime Minister Modi is actively engaged in ensuring that the Bangladesh government provides the necessary protection to Hindus," Sarma added.
As the situation continues to unfold, Sarma conveyed solidarity with the beleaguered Hindu community in Bangladesh, saying, "The prayers of all Indians are with the Hindus in Bangladesh. We are deeply concerned about the insecurity, harassment, and arrests they are facing. However, I believe that through the efforts of Modi ji, their security will be guaranteed."
Meanwhile, Sarma also addressed the issue of illegal infiltration along Assam’s border with Bangladesh, a matter that has become increasingly urgent due to the unrest in Bangladesh.
"We are maintaining a strict vigil along the border. It is clear that those attempting to cross over are not Hindus. The security forces are doing their job by apprehending and pushing back those trying to enter illegally," said the Chief Minister.
In fact, Sarma has been sharing detailed information about the infiltration attempts on social media, including names and photographs of those attempting to cross the border.
These efforts have reportedly led to the apprehension and deportation of over 160 individuals, mostly from the Muslim community since the violence in Bangladesh escalated in August.
Notably, following Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5, 2024, a wave of attacks targeted the homes, businesses, and places of worship belonging to the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reported 2,010 incidents, including 69 temple attacks, between August 4 and August 20.
During this 16-day period, 157 Hindu families were affected, with their homes looted, vandalised, and set on fire. Several businesses were also attacked.
Analysts suggest that while these incidents were not purely communal, they stemmed from a mix of political retribution and criminal activities amid the country's law and order crisis. Nine Hindus were killed in the attacks, including at least two confirmed members of the Awami League.
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